Undra Billingsley: A Measure of Patience and Strength

At 6'3", 265 lb, Undra Billingsley only registered as a three star recruit on the recruiting boards in 2008.

Coached by former standout Alabama player Pierre Goode, this versatile high school footballer played both sides of the ball and dominated the field at Woodlawn High School-Magnet in Birmingham, Al.

As a senior at defensive end, he recorded 100 tackles and 10 of those were for loss of yards. As a pass rusher, he recorded 19 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. As a junior, he had 60 solo tackles, 52 assists, and eight sacks.

On offense he was utilized at tight end, guard, and fullback. He put up 425 receiving yards his senior year and scored three touchdowns on 25 catches. Nobody wanted to tackle the guy when he got up to full speed. Full speed was recorded at 4.7/40 for the senior tight end.

Billingsley pledged to play for Saban at the bidding of Kevin Steele on March 24,2007. He never wavered in his commitment despite attempts by many other D1 programs to dissuade him from his pledge. Other suitors included Auburn, UT, and Clemson.

In January of 2008, Billingsley took an official visit to UT just to enjoy the recruiting process. He was hosted by defensive standout, Eric Berry. After the visit, UB admitted that he was just there for the entertainment, stating in an exclusive interview by Andrew Bone, "I just can't see myself in that orange."

Despite the prospects lack of enthusiasm regarding the Knoxville visit, when Kevin Steele heard about the visit, he gave Undra an ear-full. Billingsley commented, "He was mad at first, he only wished that I had let him know about the visit." Mr. Billingsley didn't take anymore official visits prior to signing day.

He attended mini-camps in Tuscaloosa and impressed his future coaches and peers in the 7-on-7 drills and other events. He was instrumental as a commit in encouraging others in the state to sign with the 2008 class. That class turned out to be the No.1 signing class in the nation; a first for the Capstone.

In 2008, as a freshman, Undra Billingsley humbled his aspirations to play on Bryant-Denny turf, settling for the scout team and take a red-shirt year. Many think this is not a big deal and in fact is can advantage for the college freshman athlete. But don't downplay the significance of this kind of decision.

To accept a red-shirt, an athlete is admitting that he is not needed on the field of play and his contribution for the year will be hidden from the fan base. He still has to come to work every day, protect his scholarship, and risk injury on every play as a scout team player.

Meanwhile, the starters take their best shot at beating you into submission while they prepare for their time in the limelight. They take out their frustrations on the scout team and occasional fights break out during practices.

Who do you think is going to take the brunt of the criticism from the coaching staff when that happens? Usually not the starters.

Wild Bill has taken his licks. He has kept focused and maintains high character.

As the 2009 season unfolded, Undra Billingsley started to make his move. At the beginning of the season, he was listed as a tight end. By the end of fall camp, he had switched back to the defensive side of the ball.

Bear in mind, this redshirt freshman was trying to crack the starting rotation of what was to become one of the best front seven on the best defensive team in the nation.

He played sparingly during the year and in the SEC and National title games.

Currently, Billingsley is listed as a defensive end and tight end. His future may still be on offense, but the coaching staff gives him strongest considerations as a defensive end. He is listed second on the depth chart behind Marcel Dareus.

This can be very frustrating for a gifted athlete; it is a blessing and a curse to have his kind of talent. But having a coach like Nick Saban, you know in your heart that the head coach will find a place to use your skills.

In the recent A-Day game, Billingsley lined up on kickoff returns, middle depth with fellow teammates Preston Dial and Michael Williams. He is a part of the "good hands team."

He played on the first team defense, tandem with Marcel Dareus at the right side of the defensive line. Unfortunately, he had to eat beans!

Billingsley is playing like a five star talent. He is comfortable behind future All-American Dareus, and he will get plenty of snaps as the backup to the starting defensive end.

Undra Billingsley is a future defensive star for the Crimson Tide. Expect his splash onto the scene to be a big one in the 2010 Alabama season.

Barring any unforeseen injury, he will pressure opposing offenses as much as the All-American starter, Marcel Dareus. If Dareus goes down, there is the strength and depth to fill the position without a loss of talent. Bet me on that!

As one of the best in the 2008 signing class, Wild Bill is coming into his own. Lessons in humility have developed his patient character. His time in the weight room has been productive. While gaining just under 15-20 pounds since starting the Alabama training program, he has turned teen chub into lean muscle mass.

He has the strength of a bull and will use it to push or collapse the pocket of the passer. At 275 pounds, this beast can move around the best guards on the Alabama offense and pressure the quarterback, collapse the pocket or stuff the run.

Imagine what he's gonna do to the opposition when the season hits full tilt! Keep your eye on No. 86. He's the the real deal, waiting to break out and show the Alabama fans what he has been preparing for during the past two seasons.

Undra Billingsley will use his God given strength, talent, and intelligence to keep the Alabama Crimson Tide in the hunt for a third consecutive SEC west division crown, 23rd SEC Championship and a repeat run at the BCS National Title.